Experts
say sexual harassment perpetuates a cycle of poverty and moral decay, as
victims see their academic and professional aspirations derailed. Photo:
Courtesy
By
Adonis Byemelwa
The
Tanzania Network Against Sexual Corruption has issued a strong call for the
removal of Section 10(b) from the proposed amendments to the Anti-Corruption
Law, arguing that it unjustly targets victims of sexual exploitation under the
guise of inducement.
The network, represented by Mary Ndano in a
statement delivered on August 14, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, warned that this
section would shield perpetrators while further victimizing women, who are the
primary targets of sexual corruption.
Ndano emphasized that the inclusion of this
section blatantly contradicts international laws, SADC anti-corruption
regulations, African Union anti-corruption laws, and the guiding principles of
the East African Community, all of which explicitly prohibit sexual corruption.
"As
a network committed to opposing sexual corruption, we categorically reject the
amendments outlined in Section 10(b) and strongly recommend its complete
removal. This section undermines the entire foundation of Section 25 of the
Anti-Corruption Law," Ndano declared.
She
further argued that the provision seems more focused on protecting offenders
rather than preventing crime and upholding justice. The network urged all
legislative bodies, including Parliament, to reject this provision, warning
that its inclusion would perpetuate the abuse of power rather than curb it.
Hilda
Dadu, another member of the network, raised concerns that the existence of this
section would discourage victims from reporting sexual abuse, including sexual
corruption, to the authorities. She warned that this could lead to an increase
in gender-based violence, with women and children being the primary victims.
Dadu called on men to stand in solidarity with women in opposing the passage of
this provision, as it could significantly set back the fight against sexual
corruption.
Rose
Marandu, also speaking on behalf of the network, urged society to unite in
condemning such actions, highlighting their detrimental impact on both the
economy and society, particularly on the victims. She noted that these acts
significantly harm the nation's economy by leading to the misuse of human
resources, thereby undermining efforts to combat poverty.
Marandu
remarked that such actions undermine the nation's integrity by turning justice
into favoritism, contrary to ethical work practices and in violation of
international and regional agreements that prohibit sexual corruption. She
added that these acts strip individuals of their dignity, deny them
opportunities to develop their talents, and effectively turn them into sexual
slaves, while unqualified individuals gain preferential treatment.
This
call to action comes amid a broader context of ongoing sexual misconduct
concerns within Tanzania’s institutions, particularly in higher education. In
November 2018, a female academic at the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr.
Vicensia Shule, sparked controversy by tweeting about sexual misconduct at the
university.
She
was subsequently labeled a whistleblower and summoned before the university’s
Ethics Committee, an action that seemed more about silencing the issue than
addressing it. Dr. Shule’s bravery in speaking out should be commended, yet it
underscores a much larger, deeply ingrained problem—sexual misconduct is
pervasive, yet remains shrouded in silence within academic institutions.
Sexual
misconduct by university staff is rampant, with studies revealing that over
four-in-ten students report experiencing unwelcome sexual advances and
assaults, including sexualized comments, inappropriate touching, and even rape.
The majority of perpetrators are men, often occupying positions of power over
their victims.
Despite the prevalence of such misconduct,
university administrations frequently fail to respond appropriately. Victims
are often discouraged from reporting incidents, and those who do come forward
face a system that is more interested in protecting the institution’s
reputation than in delivering justice.
In
Tanzania, this issue is alarmingly similar to or perhaps even more severe than
in other countries, as evidenced by the reluctance of institutions to take
meaningful action. The systemic failure to address sexual misconduct and
harassment, particularly in higher education, signals a profound institutional
failure. It also perpetuates a cycle of poverty and moral decay, as victims see
their academic and professional aspirations derailed.
The
need for a robust response to sexual misconduct within Tanzania's institutions
is clear. Universities and other institutions must move beyond protectionist
stances and instead take decisive, effective action. This includes implementing
policies that not only exist on paper but are actively enforced. Furthermore,
there must be a concerted effort to address the culture of entitlement that allows
such misconduct to persist. Rigorous selection processes for academic staff,
coupled with a zero-tolerance policy that is applied, are crucial steps in this
direction.
The
onus is particularly on senior female faculty to lead this charge, providing
the leadership necessary to bring about real change. Naming and shaming
strategies, as seen in other sectors, could serve as a powerful deterrent
against potential perpetrators. Consistent communication and sensitization
efforts are also essential to reversing this nefarious culture.
Sexual
misconduct and gender-based violence in higher education institutions are not
merely personal tragedies; they represent a significant barrier to achieving
sustainable development goals. As long as these issues remain unaddressed, the
potential of countless young people—especially women—will continue to be
squandered, and the cycle of poverty and inequality will persist.
“It
is imperative that Tanzania’s institutions, particularly its universities, take
proactive and bold steps to address sexual misconduct. This requires moving
beyond mere rhetoric and protectionist policies to implementing genuine reforms
that hold perpetrators accountable and protect the rights and dignity of all
individuals. The time for change is now, and the leadership of these
institutions must rise to the occasion,” says Dr Shule in one of her tweets.
